The University of Southern Indiana (USI) Online Graduate Nurse Practitioner Programs
- BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health NP
The College of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) offers master of science in nursing (MSN), doctor of nursing practice (DNP), and post-master’s certificate programs with three advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) specializations.
Students may be required to come to the Evansville, Indiana campus multiple times over the course of their program. Clinical preceptorships are completed locally at approved facilities in eligible states of study.
The three specializations offered for all programs include:
- Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP)
- Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)
Campus immersions occur at the Clinical Simulation Center in Evansville, designed to feel like a real hospital, where students practice patient assessment, safety protocols, interpretation of lab results, clinical decision‑making, and interprofessional collaboration.
Graduates of the NP specializations are eligible to sit for their specific national certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
The University of Southern Indiana’s graduate nursing programs are accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). USI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in Evansville, Indiana.
What to Expect from the University of Southern Indiana Online Graduate Nursing Programs
Admission Requirements: Application materials for MSN, DNP, and post‑master’s certificate programs include an online application and fee, two references, a professional resume or CV, and official transcripts.
U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency. No GRE or GMAT is required for these programs. The following is also required for each program path:
- MSN: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from a nationally accredited program through a regionally accredited institution, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and an unencumbered RN license. Completion of undergraduate statistics is required. In addition, one year of full-time work experience is recommended within the past five years.
- DNP: Applicants to all DNP programs must have a BSN from a nationally accredited nursing program and a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants must have already completed their BSN degree before applying. As with MSN programs, DNP applicants must also have a minimum cumulative baccalaureate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. GPAs are reviewed based on the total BSN GPA rather than nursing courses alone and include transfer courses from RN Completion programs. Satisfactory completion of a course in undergraduate statistics (grade C or better) at the time of application is also required. Applicants must have a complete application file and also have an unencumbered US RN license in all states where they practice.
- Post-Master’s Certificates: Applicants must hold an MSN from a nationally accredited program, through a regionally accredited institution, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and an unencumbered RN license. Transcripts will be evaluated individually to determine whether the clinical core courses need to be completed. In addition, one year of full-time work experience is recommended within the past five years.
State Restrictions: While the University of Southern Indiana is an NC-SARA participant, state nursing regulations can restrict enrollment for certain graduate nursing programs. According to USI’s Professional Licensure Disclosure, residents of the following states are not eligible to enroll in the listed programs:
- BSN‑to‑DNP NP programs: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.
- MSN NP programs: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming.
- Post‑Master’s Certificates: Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.
Students from eligible states should verify with the College of Nursing and Health Professions and their state licensing board whether the program meets state requirements for NP licensure, as additional state requirements may apply.
International students are also welcome to apply to USI programs. In addition to application requirements expected of domestic applicants, international applicants may be called upon to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency.
Study Plan: The University of Southern Indiana’s online NP programs are designed for working nurses. All programs are delivered online with required on‑campus immersions in Evansville, Indiana, and clinical preceptorships completed locally at approved facilities in eligible states.
The BSN‑to‑DNP tracks require 72 credits each and include additional direct and indirect practice hours beyond the coursework. Students proceed directly from the BSN to the DNP without an MSN awarded mid‑program.
The MSN NP programs require 44 credits each and include clinical practica. The program includes 16 credits of core nursing courses, nine credits of clinical core, and 19 credits of specialty courses.
The post‑master’s certificates require 28 credits each and include clinical practicum. The program includes nine credits of clinical core and 19 credits of specialty courses.
All graduate nursing programs require a grade of B or better in every course. Clinicals are completed locally in approved states.
MSN Curriculum: Core courses for all specializations include: professional roles in advanced nursing; advanced evidence‑based practice; theoretical perspectives in nursing; health policy and population-based care for advanced nursing practice; informatics for advanced nursing practice; and nursing leadership in healthcare systems.
Clinical core courses for all specializations include: advanced pathophysiology for the APRN; advanced clinical pharmacology for the APRN; and advanced health assessment for the APRN.
- AGACNP: Specialty courses include introduction to adult and geriatric acute care management and adult and geriatric acute care management I-III.
- FNP: Specialty courses include introduction to primary care across the lifespan and primary care across the lifespan I-III.
- PMHNP: Specialty courses include introduction to family psychiatric/mental health care across the lifespan and family psychiatric/mental health care across the lifespan I-III.
DNP Curriculum: Core courses for all BSN‑to‑DNP specializations include: professional roles in advanced nursing; advanced evidence‑based practice; theoretical perspectives in nursing; introduction to professional writing in nursing; theoretical and conceptual foundations of nursing practice; evidence appraisal and translation for advanced nursing; strategic information systems for nursing; healthcare policy and advocacy; strategic leadership for healthcare; applied statistics for evidence‑based nursing practice; health promotion and population health; healthcare resource utilization; and advanced systems‑based project planning in nursing.
Clinical core courses for all specializations include: advanced pathophysiology for the APRN; advanced clinical pharmacology for the APRN; and advanced health assessment for the APRN.
DNP Project courses for all specializations include: DNP Project I-III.
- AGACNP: Specialty courses include introduction to adult and geriatric acute care management for BSN to DNP and adult and geriatric acute care management I-III for BSN to DNP.
- FNP: Specialty courses include introduction to primary care across the lifespan for BSN to DNP and primary care across the lifespan I-III for BSN to DNP.
- PMHNP: Specialty courses include introduction to family psychiatric/mental health care across the lifespan for BSN to DNP and family psychiatric/mental health care across the lifespan I-III for BSN to DNP.
Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The post‑master’s certificate programs comprise 28 credits for all three specializations. Each includes nine credits of clinical core courses plus 19 credits of specialty courses. Transcript analysis is done individually to determine whether the clinical core courses must be completed. Study plans follow the clinical core and specialty sequences listed in the MSN and BSN‑to‑DNP sections above.
Online Experience: Online courses at USI are delivered through the Blackboard online Learning Management System (LMS). Courses are asynchronous with recorded lectures and may include live, proctored exams through Proctorio. Other collaborative tools may include Microsoft Teams, VoiceThread, and Zoom. Students have access to faculty office hours, academic advising, support services, career counseling, library services, and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: Students may be required to come to the Evansville, Indiana campus multiple times during their program for immersions at the Clinical Simulation Center. All other coursework is online, and clinical preceptorships are completed locally at approved facilities in eligible states. Students should verify current on‑campus requirements with the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
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Paying for the University of Southern Indiana Online Graduate Nursing Programs
The online graduate nursing programs through the University of Southern Indiana have their tuition listed below. Travel expenses for campus visits are not included in tuition costs. Prospective students should inquire with the USI College of Nursing and Health Professions for more information.
According to the FAFSA, USI may offer unsubsidized federal student loans to graduate students and other scholarships and aid. Students are also encouraged to inquire with their employers about the option of a tuition reimbursement program. Finally, online graduate students may seek outside opportunities such as community and organizational funding.
The University of Southern Indiana offers affordable online nurse practitioner programs to residents of most states, with three to four campus visits and local clinicals.
BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health NP
8600 University Blvd.
Evansville, Indiana 47712
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
0-8
78
1000
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY
Program Tuition
78
$596.94
$46,561.32
$646.94
$50,461.32
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
0-8
78
1000
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY
Program Tuition
78
$596.94
$46,561.32
$646.94
$50,461.32
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
0-8
80
1000
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY
Program Tuition
80
$596.94
$47,755.20
$646.94
$51,755.20
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
4
42
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY
Program Tuition
42
$546.94
$22,971.48
$596.94
$25,071.48
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
4
42
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY
Program Tuition
42
$546.94
$22,971.48
$596.94
$25,071.48
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
4
44
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY
Program Tuition
44
$546.94
$24,065.36
$596.94
$26,265.36
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
24
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY
Program Tuition
24
$546.94
$13,126.56
$596.94
$14,326.56
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
24
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY
Program Tuition
24
$546.94
$13,126.56
$596.94
$14,326.56
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
26
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, LA, MA, MN, MS, NY, OK, OR, PA, WA, WY
Program Tuition
26
$546.94
$14,220.44
$596.94
$15,520.44
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.